GCE O/L - New syllabus

Paying calls by Thomas Hardy

"Hardy was remarkably gifted with the ability to make the rhythm of the speaking voice balance against the patterns of metre and rhythm so as to bring out the meaning" (Angela Hussain) "The contrasting sounds to suit the meaning".

Thomas Hardy was born in Wessex in England in 1840. In this poem 'PAYING CALLS' he describes a visit he made to the cemeteries in the village to show his gratitude by recalling to the days he spent with them. Hardy moves his reader in such manner so as to "feel what he wants us to".

Most of his achievements come from his own "experience drawn from real life" Giving more than its "literal meaning". "Hardy was remarkably gifted with the ability to make the rhythm of the speaking voice balance against the patterns of metre and rhythm so as to bring out the meaning" (Angela Hussain) "The contrasting sounds to suit the meaning".

Rhythm and rhyme of the speaking voice is clearly presented in his poem PAYING CALLS. His visit to the cemetery in the village to bestow his sincere wishes to friends and relations dead and gone. His long walk, though strenuous gave him much pleasure by recalling to the days he spent with them when they were alive.

Turning to all the monuments raised in memory of each one, the poet reveals his sincere feelings, his relationship with these dear ones, now lying still, motionless, benefit of sight and feeling.

"I spoke to one other of them" "By mound and stone and tree" "But they spoke NOT TO ME".

The poet expresses his genuine feelings in a forceful manner, comparing and contrasting the present and the past in a touching manner. "BUT THEY SPOKE NOT TO ME" The word "BUT" carrying the strongest expression consisting of rhyme and rhythm that heighten the innocuous and sincere feelings of the poet, maintaining his disciplined and sincere affection to his dear ones dead and gone.

Hardy's simple and striking diction style highlighting his ability to use 'SPOKEN IDIOM'. The simple but effect of the ideas expressed recalling to memory the dear ones dead and gone.

This poem mirrors forth the sincere feelings of the speaker bestowed with humanity and kindness. Though the poet does not present a lamentation but reserving his sensitivity he has expressed his genuine feelings with extreme faith in humanity. The speaker or the hero in the poem is made to remain in a quiet and inconspicuous manner; yet inviting the affection to the dear ones, dead and gone.

Although the hero in the poem appears to be sensitive he has managed to keep himself sober Thomas Hardy does not present a passionate expression of his sadness but remains quiet and inconspicuous highlighting the main character of the poem.

The simple diction style of the poet consisting of 'SPOKEN IDIOM' is quite appealing with the rhyme and rhythm highlighting the humankindness, faith and goodwill of the speaker appreciating his dear ones though dead and gone.

C. Ekanayake,
Retd Specialist Teacher Eng.